Tag: Pambula River

No – I’m not talking about changing the world. But you might just find that paddle boarding will give YOU peace.

Picture this – paddling up the river where the aqua water is so clear you can see the bottom. The bush is sliding past with only a curious kangaroo to see you. Frightened fish wizz away while lazy stingrays slide silently under your board. I’ve seen the majestic eagle swoop down and scoop up his lunch not five metres away and we are reminded of the first inhabitants of this great land as we float past reminders of their presence.

You can stop any time you like and explore the bush. There is only you and nature.

Apart from paddling down rivers there are a variety of places on the Sapphire Coast that are suitable. If you are staying in Merimbula, the obvious choice is the lake. Top Lake is less inhabited and you can stop and have a coffee and a really good meal at Sunset Kiosk. https://www.facebook.com/toplakeboathiremerimbulaandsunsetskiosk/

Access to the lake is also found at Fishpen and Spencer Park. There are other access points but be careful of walking on mangrove shoots which are essential to keeping the waterway clean and for oyster production.

If you like the challenge of waves, Bar Beach (see picture above) is a favourite spot as well as Pambula river mouth. The river mouth near the Coraki Drive carpark has nice gentle waves to learn on.

It’s no secret that I’m an organised person. Well I like to think that but I can leave out crucial details. Essential details. Like spelling out the correct address that you want the removalist to take your beloved belongings to. You can imagine the chaotic phone call I received …

“You are where?” I screeched.

“It’s okay,” I reassured my husband who was driving the car packed full of the essentials including one teenager with very long legs and a doped up cat who still managed to complain.

Frantically, I texted the address with a map link, praying they would make it to our new home.

Two days later I had not come up for air. Why? I didn’t supervise the unpacking of the truck. I had been warned to stand at the bottom of the stairs to direct the boxes. I didn’t feel comfortable with what I perceived as an authoritarian stance. I assumed the removalist guys would read the large lettering and place the boxes accordingly. The lesson – don’t assume, otherwise you will find half of your kitchen dumped in the spare bedroom and you have to make umpteen trips up the stairs to rectify this.

Finally, remember the benefits of moving to the Sapphire Coast. After a few days of frantic unpacking, the teenager begged me to take a break. We drove three minutes away to the most gorgeous spot, which is still my favourite place. Our eyes feasted on the aqua colours of the Pambula River bordered by national park which, I imagined, looked the same for centuries. It was here, at the Pambula River mouth that I remembered to breathe and appreciate the beauty surrounding my new home.